Books - Dublin

Dublin

By Edward Rutherfurd

Rating: ★★★★

I have read Rutherfurd’s Russka, Sarum and New Forrest and liked or loved them all. I think this was better than the New Forrest but fell down at the end. The characters and storyline from the start up through Brian Boru were amazing, but the English period really slowed down and the links to the previous generations much more tenuous. I also didn’t like the unrequited love story of the monk and his love. I don’t think real people would have done this, nor did Rutherfurd subject his monk in the New Forrest to such chastity.

That said, I did like it and would recommend it. Its a very human way to learn about history, specially the role of religion and migration and law in this book.